Did you know that approximately 40 million Americans have lost one or more of their permanent teeth? This accounts for about one-half of the adult population over the age of 55! People are now living longer and enjoying more active lives and those who lose their teeth at an early age can face 30 to 40 years of wearing dentures. This can cause serious health and nutritional problems, especially for older people. Are you self-conscious about your smile? Are you worried that others may see the problems in your mouth? Do you tend to avoid laughing in front of others and eating certain foods you enjoy because you have a loose denture? Do you feel that you look older than your age because you have a sunken-in facial appearance due to tooth loss? If so, you may wish to consider Dental Implants. Dental implants are permanent tooth root substitutes, which provide an anchor for artificial replacement teeth, dentures or bridges. They are made from a space age metal called titanium, which is compatible with human bone and tissue. These titanium cylinders are placed directly into the jawbone where teeth are missing. Later, small posts called abutments are attached to the implants. These posts protrude through the gums and provide anchorage for artificial teeth.

Dental implants, along with a dental prosthesis (an artificial tooth or teeth) can be
a great way to improve your quality of life and make you feel better about your smile
and yourself. In addition, you can improve your appearance as well as your jaw
function, which can allow you to enjoy life more fully.

WHO CAN HAVE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Just about anyone is a candidate for dental implants!If you are healthy enough to have
a tooth extracted, you are probably healthy enough to have dental implant placement.
Dr. Falcone can help you to make the determination if implants are right for you. A
thorough evaluation is necessary prior to dental implant placement. Dr. Falcone and
your restorative dentist will evaluate your specific needs by performing the following:

1. Dental and medical health assessment

2. Lifestyle assessment

3. Oral hygiene assessment

4. Radiographic evaluation

5. Evaluation of available jawbone

6. Surgical and restorative examination

If you feel that dental implants are right for you, we will work closely with you to
formulate a treatment plan, which will satisfy your needs and works within your budget.
After your initial implant consultation, we can discuss fees and insurance reimbursement.
Insurance coverage for implant procedures is varied, but we will be happy to assist you
in obtaining the benefits to which you are entitled.

Sometimes patients may require adjunctive procedures prior to implant placement, or in
conjunction to implant placement due to a lack of sufficient bone for implant placement.
In certain cases, bone-grafting procedures may be indicated to restore bone that has
been lost. Also, sinus-lifting procedures may be required if the sinus cavity is too low.
Dr. Falcone will thoroughly discuss these items at your consultation visit along with
any risks for these types of procedures.

Most times, dental implant surgery is performed in Dr. Falcone’s office. In some cases,
implants are done in the hospital or an ambulatory surgical center. In any event,
implants can be placed with local anesthesia or some form of sedation depending on
your personal needs.

THE PROCEDURE

For most patients, the placement of dental implants is a team approach involving
the restorative dentist and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. There are generally
two surgical procedures involved when dental implants are placed. They are both
performed by Dr. Falcone. The first surgical phase is the longer of the visits.
At this visit the implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. These small
cylinders provide the framework necessary to support your replacement teeth.
During the first 4-6 months following your initial surgery, the implants remain
buried under the gums, gradually bonding with the jawbone. While your implant
is “integrating” with your jawbone, you should be able to wear a temporary
restoration in the area and eat a soft diet. Many times your restorative dentist
can begin to create your new replacement teeth while the implants are bonding to
your jawbone.

The second phase of your implant surgery begins 4-6 months after your implants have
been placed. By this time your implant has bonded to the jawbone. At the second
surgical visit Dr. Falcone will uncover your implant and places a “healing abutment”
which exposes the implant into your mouth and allows for gum healing in the area.

Approximately two weeks later, you can be sent to your restorative dentist and he can
begin the process of making your new teeth. The restorative dentist will need to take
an impression of the implant. He will also need to place a small post called an
abutment on top of the implants to provide support for your new teeth. Your new teeth
will fit over the abutments and will not be visible. The complete procedure takes
about 6-8 months and should not disrupt your life or daily activities in any way.

Once an implant has been placed and restored, it is necessary to have regular check-
ups and hygiene visits with your restorative dentist. You will also need a yearly
follow-up with Dr. Falcone. In many ways, implants are like natural teeth and
require routine maintenance to function properly and avoid potential problems.
If they are not cared for, dental implants can be lost just like your natural teeth.

So, if you are one of the millions of Americans that suffers from permanent tooth loss
and wish to eliminate the problems and pain caused by missing teeth, bridges, partial
dentures or complete dentures; try dental implants. They will allow you to rediscover
the joy of eating your favorite foods, speaking clearly and laughing comfortably as
well as bring a smile to your face.